Overview
Knee osteoarthritis is wear of the cartilage that cushions the knee joint. It can cause pain, stiffness and swelling. Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is an injection made from your own blood. It may help reduce pain and improve function for some people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. The research is still growing. Some studies have been encouraging, others less so, and results vary from person to person. PRP is usually self-pay, so we will go over costs with you before treatment.
Watch: how PRP treatment works
Video: “Platelet-rich Plasma Treatment for Injured Tendons, Muscles and Joints” from Hospital for Special Surgery on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
What it is
PRP is made from a small sample of your own blood. The blood is spun in a machine called a centrifuge, which separates out a layer with a high number of platelets. Platelets contain growth factors that play a role in the body's normal healing process. That platelet-rich layer is then injected into the area that hurts, often with ultrasound guidance.
PRP is not FDA-approved to treat any specific condition. The devices used to prepare it are FDA-cleared. Preparation methods differ, which is one reason study results vary.
For knee osteoarthritis, PRP is injected into the knee joint. It does not regrow cartilage or reverse arthritis.
Who it's for
PRP for the knee may be considered for people who have:
- Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis on X-ray
- Knee pain and stiffness that have not improved enough with exercise, weight management, bracing or medicines
- A wish to try a non-surgical option, with a clear understanding of the evidence and cost
What the procedure involves, step by step
- Before: we review your exam and imaging. You may be asked to stop anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) for a period before and after the injection, because they may affect platelets. Ask before stopping any prescribed medicine.
- Blood draw: a small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, much like a routine blood test.
- Processing: the blood is spun in a centrifuge for several minutes to concentrate the platelets.
- Injection: the skin is cleaned and numbed. Using ultrasound guidance, your physician injects the PRP into the knee joint. Some treatment plans use one injection; others use a series spaced a few weeks apart.
- After: you rest briefly and go home the same day. The whole visit often takes about an hour.
Recovery and what to expect
- Knee soreness and stiffness for a few days are common.
- Use ice and acetaminophen if your physician approves, and avoid anti-inflammatory medicines for the period you are told.
- Most people return to light activity within a day or two and build up over the next few weeks.
- Any benefit, if it happens, usually builds over several weeks. Some people notice little or no change.
Candidacy: who may or may not be a good fit
May be a good fit: people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who want a non-surgical option and understand that the evidence is still growing and that it is usually self-pay.
May not be a good fit: people with a low platelet count or another blood disorder, an active infection, active cancer, anemia, blood thinners that cannot be safely paused, or recent steroid injections in the same area. It is also not a good fit for anyone expecting a certain result or who would have trouble with the cost. People with severe, "bone-on-bone" arthritis may be less likely to benefit.
Risks in brief
Because PRP comes from your own blood, allergic reactions are unlikely. Risks include pain, swelling or stiffness for several days, bruising, and, rarely, infection or nerve injury. The pain may not improve. We will review your specific risks.
Alternatives
Other options may include exercise and physical therapy, weight management, a knee brace, medicines, steroid or hyaluronic acid (gel) injections, genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation, peripheral nerve stimulation or a referral to discuss knee replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Does PRP regrow cartilage?
No. PRP is not shown to regrow cartilage or reverse arthritis. It may help reduce pain and improve function for some people.
How many injections will I need?
It varies. Some plans use one injection and others use a series of injections a few weeks apart.
How soon might I feel a change?
If PRP helps, the change usually builds over several weeks. Some people notice little or no change.
Is PRP FDA-approved?
The devices used to prepare PRP are FDA-cleared, but PRP is not FDA-approved to treat any specific condition.
Does insurance pay for PRP?
PRP is often not covered by insurance, including many Aetna plans, and is usually self-pay. Our team can explain costs and check your plan before treatment.
How is PRP different from a steroid injection?
A steroid injection calms inflammation and may give faster short-term relief. PRP uses your own platelets, and any benefit tends to build more slowly.
Insurance and cost
PRP is often not covered by insurance, including many Aetna plans, and is usually self-pay. Our team can explain costs and check your plan before treatment. We cannot promise coverage for any plan.
Book an appointment
One phone number for all 7 GSMC offices in Ocean and Monmouth County.
Our offices
- Whiting
- Toms River (1314 Hooper Ave)
- Brick
- Barnegat
- Manahawkin
- Freehold (322 Professional View Dr)
- West Long Branch
Telehealth visits are available for second opinions and imaging reviews only, by phone. Please call 732-202-3000 to book one.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary, and no outcome can be promised.